Bottas pleased to have a teammate as quick as Hamilton

Recently signed Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas has announced that he is happy to have a teammate as quick as Lewis Hamilton for the upcoming 2017 season.

This has come despite the fact that Hamilton’s father, Anthony Hamilton, has warned that his son is a “career killer” shortly after it was announced that Bottas would be driving as his teammate this season.

“It’s a great chance for me to show my abilities. I’ve always wanted as quick a teammate as possible, and I really have one.”

The Finn added that he bumped into Hamilton at the team’s headquarters in Brackley.

“We each had our own meetings and it was a quick greeting,” he spoke.

“He welcomed me to the team and congratulated me.”

The 27-year-old also minimised recent reports that his contract with Mercedes will only be one year, with former Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg already recommending Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel as a replacement.

“I fully understand that it’s not a longer agreement at this stage,” Bottas added.

“Of course the team wants to see how I go. It’s ok for me. That’s the way it goes – I’ve always had to earn my place but it seems that I know how to drive.“